Before you stands the Theosophische Vereniging in Amsterdam. What if I told you this building houses more than just a meeting place? It holds a key to understanding a philosophical movement that influenced artists like Piet Mondriaan.
The Theosophische Vereniging in Nederland has a rich history. It began with early Theosophical activities in the Netherlands. One of the first lodges was called “Lodge Post Nubila Lux”. Light after darkness is what that means. It was founded in 1881. Adelberth de Bourbon was one of its founders. He was the grandson of the French King Louis XVI.
In 1890, a Lodge was founded in Amsterdam by Dr. L. L. Plantenga. This Lodge was also affiliated with the French Section. On July 9, 1892, a national Theosophical Society was founded in the Netherlands. Its name was De Nederlandsche Theosophische Vereeniging.
Let’s step back to 1891. Mrs. H. P. de Neufville and others applied for a Lodge charter. It came from the Theosophical Society in London. This became the Dutch-Belgian Branch. The Belgian group became independent in 1892. The Dutch-Belgian Branch was disbanded.
The Nederlandsche Theosophische Vereeniging followed. Mrs. De Neufville was the Chairman. Mr. G. R. S. Mead was appointed General Secretary.
In 1895, a separation occurred. It involved the American section under Mr. W. Q. Judge. A new organization arose. It was called the Theosophical Society in America. This split had repercussions in the Netherlands. It created the Theosofisch Genootschap.
Johannes Ludovicus Lauweriks and Charles Peter Cornelis de Bazel founded the Vahana Lodge in 1896. Both were architects. The Vahana Lodge is one of the founding organizations of the Theosophische Vereeniging Nederlandse Afdeling.
The Theosophische Vereeniging Nederlandsche Afdeling was established on May 14, 1897. It was incorporated by Royal Decree on November 24, 1899. The headquarters were situated at Amsteldijk 76 in Amsterdam.
The painter Piet Mondriaan became a member in 1909. Theosophical philosophy influenced his work throughout his life.
The Stichting Proklos was established in 1956. It promotes education in the spirit of Theosophy. The foundation sponsors a chair at the University of Leiden. A professor teaches Metaphysics in the Spirit of Theosophy.
The name TVNA changed to Theosofische Vereniging in Nederland in 1979. Its headquarters are now located at Tolstraat 154 in Amsterdam. The TVN has nine Lodges and seven Centers. It has its own bookstore and publishing house. It publishes the magazine Theosophia four times a year.
The Theosophical Library is also located at the headquarters. It is the national library of the Theosophical Society in The Netherlands.
So, the Theosophische Vereniging is more than just a building. It represents a journey through philosophical thought. It is a journey that has touched art, education, and the lives of many.